AN/Many thanks to AprilGrey for beta services and thank YOU for the reviews. I am overwhelmed.
Comfort Part VI
Understanding- a : friendly or harmonious relationship b : an agreement of opinion or feeling : adjustment of differences c : a mutual agreement not formally entered into but in some degree binding on each side
****
When she opened her eyes, Hermione found herself lying on a bed in the hospital wing. Darkness had fallen and the shadows played across the room. Hearing someone talking softly, she turned her head and saw Madame Pomfrey and Dumbledore emerge from behind curtains that were pulled around a bed in the far corner.
"How did Remus respond to the salve you used?" Dumbledore asked Madam Pomfrey quietly. Hermione's heart leapt.
"I do believe it will heal the wounds with minimal scarring. I cannot believe how much damage was done…"
"Shh," Dumbledore put a finger to his lips and looked in Hermione's direction. She closed her eyes quickly, hoping he would think her asleep. "It would be better if we spoke in your office."
Hermione kept her eyes closed waiting for their footsteps to fade away as they left the ward. After a few minutes, she got up and headed to the curtained off bed. Slipping through the curtains, a small sob escaped her throat before she could stop it. Remus lay on the small bed. His face was swollen, and a nasty looking purple bruise was on his right cheek. The worst of all was the scarlet red marks on his neck, especially on the left side.
"He is resting peacefully."
Hermione jumped and spun around to see Dumbledore standing beside her. "He owes you his life," Albus said gently. "If you had not warned me that he was in danger," Dumbledore held her gaze, "he and you would be dead right now."
Hermione nodded, turning back to look at the Remus. "What happened?"
"I cannot speak of such matters at the moment, Miss Granger," he said kindly. "Perhaps Remus will tell us both when he is able."
Remus began moaning as his hands went up to his neck. His breathing was raspy.
"It's alright boy," Albus said, pulling Remus' hands away from his neck. "You are safe and at Hogwarts." Though he had not opened his eyes, Remus nodded. His breathing was still rapid and Hermione felt the anxiety running through him. Reaching out, Hermione took Remus' hand, holding it tightly. Remus visibly relaxed, and his breathing returning to normal.
"Albus, is he worse…" Poppy asked coming through the partition. She saw Hermione and frowned. "Miss Granger, you should be in bed, not bothering other patients."
"It is alright Poppy. In fact, I do believe Miss Granger will be the best medicine for Remus."
Madam Pomfrey raised one eyebrow at him. "And what can this child do for him?"
"She is a close friend, Poppy. I think it will be of comfort to him to know she is here."
Eyeing Hermione, Madame Pomfrey spoke. "Very well. I will allow it, but Miss Granger, you will need to be quiet and allow him to rest. I will be in the office if he has need of anything. Good night Headmaster," she said as she left them.
Hermione smiled gratefully at Dumbledore. "I can stay then?"
"Of course dear, though you need your rest also." Albus pointed his wand at the small hospital bed. It widened considerably. "I do believe the bond between you and Remus will help him to heal. I will speak to Professor McGonagall and arrange for you to visit Remus as often as you would like to after classes. I must ask that you do not tell anyone that he is here."
"Yes Professor."
"Then I bid you a good night, Miss Granger."
Blushing, Hermione said, "Good night sir."
After Dumbledore had left, Hermione slipped into the bed next to Remus. She tried not to disturb him as she carefully laid herself down. Resting her hand on his chest, she could feel his heart beating steadily.
****
The room was bright when Hermione awoke. Remus' arm was around her and she was snuggled close to his side. Sitting up slowly, she looked at his face and was surprised and relieved to see his eyes already opened and looking at her.
"Morn..ing" his voice was barely audible and he swallowed hard trying to get the words out.
"Remus, oh I am so thankful you are alright," she said breathlessly.
Madam Pomfrey bustled in, her eyes showing her disapproval. "Well young man," she said to Remus, "I see you have decided to wake up. No talking do you understand," she said pointedly to Hermione rather than Remus. "Though I managed to repair the damage to your windpipe, I want you to remain silent for another day at least."
Remus nodded, giving Hermione a wink. Madame Pomfrey frowned. "I do believe you are well enough to return to classes today, Hermione."
"Yes ma'am," Hermione said while getting up. She mouthed 'see you later' at Remus as she left.
****
Professor McGonagall had told the Gryffindors that Hermione had suffered from a gall bladder attack as an explanation for what had happened in Transfiguration. All her classmates seemed to accept this explanation except for Harry. He had asked her why she had sent him to Dumbledore several times during the morning. Not knowing what else to do, she had taken Harry aside after lunch and told him about the spell, or at least part of it.
"What do you mean you are bonded with him?" Harry hissed angrily.
"It's not what you think," Hermione lied, trying to sooth him. Harry seemed to be taking a dislike to Remus for some reason. She could only guess that it was because he was trying to look out for Harry. Harry perceived it as Remus trying to take Sirius' place. "It just allows each of us to feel the other's pain. I could only assume what happened the other day in class was because Remus was attacked."
"Was he?"
"I don't know for sure. Harry you must not tell anyone about this. It would jeopardize the Order."
Frowning at her, he crossed his arms. "Alright, but just how can it jeopardize the Order?"
"Well, the other side knows that Remus is part of the Order. If they found out that he could be taken out by hurting me, wouldn't it make sense to do so?"
Harry's frown deepened. "I won't say anything, but I don't like it. How could he do something like that to you? I mean, that sounds a bit off to me."
"It was an accident, Harry," Hermione sighed. "And until a reversal is found, Remus and I will just have to deal with it."
****
Hermione found she could not wait for classes to end, her thoughts on the man lying in the hospital wing. Curiosity was eating at her over Remus. What had happened? Why was he at Hogwarts? She only hoped that Dumbledore meant it when he said perhaps Remus could tell them both.
"Trying to set a new record?" Ron asked Hermione at dinner that evening, watching her shovel in the food.
"I think she's been taking lessons from you," Harry teased. "Slow down Hermione, you will choke."
Swallowing, Hermione pushed her plate back and got up. "Just have to get to the library to do a bit of studying." Ron rolled his eyes.
After hurrying to the hospital wing, Hermione stopped outside the door to catch her breath. She was beginning to feel a bit foolish over her desire to see Remus. 'Maybe its just the effect of the spell' she thought, though she ran a hand over her hair trying to calm the wild tangles.
Entering the room, she was relieved to find that Madame Pomfrey wasn't present. She walked softly over to the curtained bed and slipped in. Remus was sitting up in the bed with his pajama top unbuttoned and she saw that his ribs were bandaged. He smiled at her and mouthed 'hello'. Hermione felt a surge of happiness run through her and smiled back, glad that he was indeed happy to see her.
His face was less swollen now, the dark bruise on his cheek less red. Warm gray eyes sparkled at her as he patted the side of the bed. Hermione put her book bag in the chair and sat gingerly on the edge of the bed. "Feeling better?" she asked. Remus nodded and pointed at her. "I am fine."
Remus reached up and touched her cheek, his smile warm. 'Thank you' he mouthed. She wanted to ask for what, but Madame Pomfrey came through the curtains. "Here again I see, Miss Granger. You aren't encouraging him to speak are you?" she asked defensively.
"No ma'am," Hermione said, her brow furrowing a bit. She could sense Pomfrey's annoyance.
"Well see that he doesn't. He needs his rest so please keep your visit short," she said as she took Remus' pulse. Hermione stifled a giggle as Remus rolled his eyes when Pomfrey wasn't looking. After a few more minutes of poking and prodding, she patted Remus on the shoulder and left.
"Why is she so worried that I will bother you?" Hermione asked, shaking her head. Remus pointed to her book bag and indicated he wanted to write. She dug around a moment and gave him a piece of parchment and quill.
'You are intruding into her territory.'
Hermione looked at him questioningly.
'During my school years, I was in here very often because of my Lycanthropy and Poppy became very protective of me. I think she feels a bit threatened that you are here.'
Blushing, Hermione nodded.
'It's endearing, but a bit smothering.'
"I would guess so," Hermione said with a grin. "I will be good and leave you to rest then." She started to rise but Remus put his hand on her arm. He shook his head at her and picked up the quill once more.
'Stay. I am most selfish and would enjoy your company.' Hermione's heart fluttered as she looked at him.
Several hours and many pieces of parchment passed before Hermione finally returned to her dorm.
****
Hermione was heading towards the hospital wing Saturday morning when she was intercepted by Professor McGonagall. "Come with me, Miss Granger."
Hermione followed her to the west side of the castle down a hallway that Hermione had never been. Professor McGonagall stopped in front of a painting of an old man with a dog. The man gave Hermione a wink and the dog wagged its tail vigorously. "Salamander, newt and rog." she said. The portrait swung open. They stepped through and Hermione saw they were in a small, well cared for garden.
"This is Madame Pomfrey's medicinal herb garden," Professor McGonagall explained. "I will trust you will not reveal this to anyone. Some of the plants that grow here are very dangerous if used improperly."
A small shed rested in the shadow of the tall wall that surrounded the garden. Entering the shed, Hermione saw it was filled with a variety of garden tools. A floor to ceiling stand containing vials and jars stood against the back wall. "Watch carefully." Professor McGonagall picked up the third jar on the second shelf. The stand moved to the right revealing a door. Hermione followed Professor McGonagall through the small door.
"Minerva, nice to see you." Hermione heard a familiar voice say. Hermione saw Remus sitting in a chair in a moderately sized room. The room was furnished with a desk, several overstuffed armchairs, and a bed. Light streamed in from windows that were set high on the wall near the ceiling and a cheery fire burned in a small fireplace in the corner.
Remus smile widened a bit when he saw Hermione emerge from behind Minerva. "And you, Miss Granger."
"Remus, how are you feeling?" Minerva asked, her eyes lingering on the bright red marks on his neck.
"Much better than I look, thanks. Please sit," he said, starting to rise.
Minerva held up her hand. "I am afraid I cannot stay. Albus asked me to show Miss Granger where you are staying." She turned to face Hermione. "I trust you will be discreet when visiting and also do not tire Mr. Lupin." A small frown marred her brow.
"Certainly Professor," Hermione assured her, a small flush on her cheeks.
"Then I will bid you good day, Remus, Hermione," Minerva said. "If you have need of anything I am sure Miss Granger will be able to assist you."
Remus and Hermione said their goodbyes. Hermione stood there a moment, a bit flustered. She wondered what Professor McGonagall must be thinking. Remus' soft laughter interrupted her thoughts.
"I do believe that Minerva's curiosity is eating away at her," he said, smiling at Hermione and patting the chair next to him. Hermione sat down and waited for him to explain. "I trust Albus has not told her about our bonding and I could tell by her formal manner that she is not sure what to think about you being here." Hermione's blush deepened and she grinned.
Remus returned her grin. He looked better, the color had returned to his cheeks and his voice was no longer raspy as it had been yesterday when Hermione had visited after classes. However, the marks on his neck were still a violent red. "Are you really okay?" she asked tentatively.
"You tell me," he said, taking her hand while studying her face. Hermione closed her eyes and tried to feel any pain or discomfort. There was only a small twinge on the left side of her throat and a light pressure on her ribs. "So am I okay?" he asked teasingly.
"You'll live," she said, opening her eyes.
"Thanks to your quick thinking. If you hadn't sent Harry to tell Dumbledore…" she felt his sorrow wash over him. "Well, I have never been worried about dying before, it's just now…"
"I understand," she told him, squeezing his hand.
"Am I interrupting?" Dumbledore asked from the doorway. Hermione let go of Remus' hand. "Not at all, Headmaster, please come in."
Albus entered the room and sat down in an armchair. He smiled at them. "I have sent for some tea and biscuits," he told them. As if on cue a house elf appeared bearing a tray.
"Dobby," Hermione said, recognizing the house elf that looked to be bundled for the coldest weather. He was wearing an array of knitted caps and scarves, those she had knitted in hopes of freeing other house elves.
"Miss Hermione," Dobby said bowing. "I am thanking you for all the fine clothes."
Hermione tried to stifle a giggle. "You are most welcome."
"Dobby has been wearing all Miss Hermione's gifts. Master Dumbledore has remarked more than once on Dobby's finery."
"Thank you, Dobby," Dumbledore said, his eyes sparkling in amusement. "If you would be so kind, Miss Hermione and myself need to speak to Mr. Lupin on most important matters" Dobby nodded. "And Dobby, remember that no one should know of our guest."
"Yes, Headmaster, Dobby remembers."
After pouring tea and passing around the biscuits, Dumbledore spoke. "Remus, if you are up to it, I would like to know about the events that transpired in Hogsmeade that led to your condition."
Hermione looked at Remus, startled. "You were attacked in Hogsmeade?"
Remus nodded and sat his tea down on the table. He looked at Hermione cautiously.
"She has every right to know, Remus. Miss Granger is interlinked with you, and therefore I do believe she will understand that what is to be said here, remains here."
"Oh course, Professor."
"Well then," Remus rubbed his chin, "I suppose I should explain to Hermione what I do for the Order, with your permission of course, Albus."
"As I said, Remus, I think she has a right to know."
"Right. Hermione, I do, what is the term, reconnaissance for the Order. I take bits of information that Professor Snape and others bring to the Order's attention and check it out before any action is taken.
"Professor Snape had brought word earlier this week that something was afoot at Hogsmeade and I went to learn what I could. I had been there several days when I finally spotted Rookwood and another man slinking into Hogshead. I was surprised that they were moving during the day and knew I couldn't just waltz into the pub in case one of them recognized me. You have been to Hogshead?" Remus asked Hermione.
"Yes, last year."
"Then you know that there are no windows in the place. The only thing I could do was shimmy up a drainpipe and try to discern any conversation from the roof. There are a few benefits to being a werewolf such as very sensitive hearing. It was a stroke of luck that I heard a very familiar voice on the north side of the building, although it surprised me that Voldemort would allow Pettigrew to venture out of his sight."
Hermione gasped. "You mean Peter Pettigrew?"
"Yes. According to Professor Snape, Voldemort keeps him on a tight leash. It would not do for anyone to recognize him. Except for the Order and a few students," he smiled at her, "Peter is still believed to be dead, the victim of a deranged Sirius Black." Hermione felt the surge of anger flow through Remus.
"From what I could hear, they were recruiting villagers to join on the Voldemort's side. Part of the initiation was to help with a plan. The plan was to capture Harry when the students had their next Hogsmeade visit."
"That's today!" Hermione cried, looking at Dumbledore. "Professor, we need to stop everyone..."
Albus held up his hand. "Everything is under control, Miss Granger. Though I did not know what happened to Remus before I arrived, I surmised it would be dangerous for the students to visit the village without precautions. A dozen members of the Order are patrolling Hogsmeade today and Professor Snape will be going to keep an eye on Mr. Potter."
Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. "Professor, may I ask why you didn't just cancel?"
"The students need to continue life as normally as possible." Albus smiled gently at her. "It may also give us an opportunity to know which villagers have decided to follow Voldemort. Not all loyalists are Death Eaters. Now then, Remus, please continue."
"I was lying on the roof, listening to the conversation, when I heard a crack as the roof gave way. The next thing I knew I was laying flat on my back, staring at three startled Death Eaters. Most clumsy of me."
"Sounds to me that the innkeeper was at fault for not keeping up with repairs," Albus chided.
"Unfortunately, my wand had landed several feet away and before I could move I was put into a full body bind." Hermione shivered picturing the situation Remus had been in.
"I do believe Peter was more in shock than his mates. He quickly recovered though, and I knew I was in a bit of a spot. Peter ordered the others out of the room and stood over me with a very malicious grin.
"He thought it was very humorous that I was now at his mercy, and reminded me that I had intended on killing him the last time we had seen each other. Walking around me, he rambled on a bit, enjoying being in control for once." Remus stopped a moment, his eyes narrowing as he remembered the conversation…
"Well, well, Remus. Seems the shoe is on the other foot," Peter said gleefully.
"Hello, Peter. I see Voldemort has let you off the leash."
Peter glared at him, waving his wand to upright Remus' bound form. "I heard about Sirius," he taunted, "the arrogant bastard finally got his, didn't he, Remus?"
"So nice to know you still remember your friends, Peter. Oh, that's not right. You never had any friends."
"Sarcasm, Remus? I am wounded."
"A big man aren't you, Peter? Dressed in those nice robes, playing Death Eater. Tell me do you wear your robes when you fetch Voldemort's slippers or only when you lap up his droppings?"
Peter's weak chin trembled in anger. "You are a fool, Remus. Always the pathetic, nice boy, trying to tow the line. If you only realized the power Voldemort has, you would be begging me to take you to him. Pity he doesn't accept mangy werewolves."
"The mange is clearing up, I will have you know…"
"Enough! I am going to kill you, Remus. Very poetic, don't you agree. You, James and Sirius always the popular ones, the big powerful magic users, and yet I will be the last one left."
"You are the fool, Peter. Always were."
Peter pulled off his gloves. He saw Remus' eyes widened a bit as his gaze fell on the shiny silver hand. Holding it up, Peter smiled at Remus' discomfort. "My master is very generous, Remus. This is one of his special gifts to his most deserving follower. Very powerful, this gift. I can crush rocks as if they were eggs." He moved closer until he was inches from Remus. "I understand that werewolves have a strange aversion to silver. Is that true, Remus?"
"I haven't tested the theory, thanks."
"Well then, I think it is time we did." Peter backhanded Remus across the cheek, a grin of satisfaction crossing his face as he saw the tears in the man's eyes.
"Before I kill you, Remus, you will tell me where the Order is meeting. I went to the old place and knew no one had been there in years."
"We decided we needed a change of scenery."
A hard punch to the stomach brought a cry from Remus. "You will also give me the names of all the new members," Peter said cockily.
"You really… are a fool if… you think I will… tell you anything."
"Oh I think you will, Remus," Peter smiled as he released the binding spell. Remus fell to his knees, his hand clutching his stomach. "Crucio."
Releasing the spell, Peter bent and grasped Remus around the neck with his silver hand. "Tell me!" he spat in Remus' face. "Or I will force the words from your bloody throat." He emphasized the point, squeezing hard…
"Interesting, that silver hand of his," Remus said dryly, rubbing his throat absently.
Hermione swallowed hard and fought back the tears. He had almost died, she thought, snaking her hand into his.
"That is all I remember. I think you will need to fill in the rest, Albus."
"When Harry brought the news of what happened to Miss Granger in class I knew that you were being attacked. Fawkes flew me to Hogshead. Peter's friends were having a drink at the bar when I entered and disapparated when they saw me. When I found the room, you were unconscious on the floor and Peter was kicking you and screaming at you to get up. He saw me just as I started to cast a spell.
"He was surprisingly quick, most amazing reflexes. I had just cast a spell to hold him and he transformed into a rat and fled through a small hole in the wall. By now several Order members had arrived, I had summoned them before I left Hogwarts, and they started searching for Peter. I am sorry to report they did not find him. You were my first concern, however, for you had quit breathing and I brought you to Poppy as quickly as possible."
Albus smiled kindly at them, noticing that Remus gripped Hermione's hand tightly. "I am very grateful that Miss Granger was able to alert us. I would hate to lose you, Remus."
Remus nodded. "Hermione has my deepest thanks, also."
Hermione blushed. She didn't know what to say.
"Now that everything has been explained, I will bid you a good day, Remus," Albus said standing. "And you, Miss Granger."
Remus stood and walked Albus to the door. He turned back to Hermione and saw that she was crying. He felt her sadness. "Hey, what's this all about?" he asked gently as he knelt down by her chair.
"I am so sorry that happened to you," she sniffed, wiping at her eyes.
"It is all part of the job. Hermione, you must realize that things like this happen. When I joined the Order I understood the consequences and that, yes, I might die." He lifted her chin to look into her eyes. "As I told you before, I had never worried too much about that, but now I cannot bear the thought."
"I understand. Last term while fighting at the Ministry of Magic, it finally sunk in that those I care for may die. Doesn't mean I have to like it."
"Of course not," he said softly, brushing a tear off her cheek. He gave her a smile. "Today is not one of those times, however," he said lightly. "Today you will go to Hogsmeade and buy things you don't need, have a drink at the Three Broomsticks and come back with a stomachache from eating too many sweets."
Hermione laughed. "I hadn't planned on going. I thought I would keep you company."
Remus made a face causing her to giggle. "Nonsense. Go, be with your friends. I will be here if you want to visit later. Please go."
"All right. I will come back after dinner if you don't mind."
"I am always happy to see you, Hermione," he said softly and she felt a shiver run down her spine. " I am curious though, haven't Harry and Ron been missing you these last days?"
Hermione snorted. "Believe me, I could grow horns and a tail and they wouldn't notice. They have been too busy discussing Quidditch moves. Gryffindor's first game is this Sunday."
"Who are they playing?"
"Ravenclaw. Harry is very anxious about the game."
"Now that I would love to see."
"Perhaps you could sneak down."
Remus shook his head. "It would not be worth the risk. No one would connect me being here with having to do with the Order or such, but I cannot take the risk that word would get back to certain student's parents. You can tell me all about the match later."
Hermione studied him a moment and then it came to her. If she could arrange it, she would do more than just tell him about the game.
****
Hermione sat down on the bench. She had chosen the far corner of the Gryffindor stands, scooting over until there was room for another beside her. The bench was the least crowded and she smiled as she felt a weight settle beside her.
Remus sat down beside her, hidden from the crowd beneath Harry's invisibility cloak. Hermione had asked him to borrow it last night, explaining that she planned to sneak into the Restricted Section of the library immediately after the game to do some research. Harry had been so involved thinking about the game that he had handed her the cloak without question.
"You are a most resourceful young witch." Hermione smiled at Remus' whisper. She sat down a thermos of cocoa on the ground between them where it disappeared after a moment.
Gryffindor was slaughtering Ravenclaw, though the action still was exciting. The Ravenclaw captain called a time out. Hermione felt Remus nudge her knee with his. She looked in his direction. "What?" There was no reply but another nudge, this one more insistent. "Something wrong?" she whispered. A nudge on the shoulder this time was the answer. She grinned and nudged back. A soft laugh told her Remus was just playing with her. They traded nudges and soft laughter off and on throughout the rest of the match.
****
Back in the garden room, Remus pulled off the cloak, his face flushed and his eyes shining bright. "That was excellent! The team moved brilliantly and Harry, he is a superb flyer isn't he?" Hermione smiled at Remus' outburst. She was so happy for him and she had not missed the pride he felt when Harry caught the snitch. "Not that Ron and Ginny didn't fly wonderfully,' he grinned sheepishly at her. "Running on a bit, aren't I?"
He looked so boyish standing there, with a lock of hair falling over one eye, that Hermione couldn't resist as she reached up to smooth it back. She looked into his eyes and felt a tingle run through her. Standing on her tiptoes, she pressed her lips to his, feeling his surprise. When he didn't pull away, she put her arms around his neck to pull his face down to her, allowing her feet back on the floor. Remus began to kiss her back, slow and deliberate, their closed lips brushing against each other as his hands slipped into her hair.
